Watertown City Council Finalizes Funding for Calvin Industrial Park Project

Steve Jurrens
Sep 16
2 min read

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to fund a new lift station and sanitary sewer line for the Calvin Industrial Park at Monday night’s meeting.

City Manager Alan Stager presented the MOU, which outlines a cost-sharing agreement between four entities: the City of Watertown, Watertown Municipal Utilities, Codington County, and the Watertown Development Company.

Each party would be responsible for 25% of the local project costs. The lift station and sewer line are designed to provide service to the industrial park and an additional 300 acres to the south, which are designated for future industrial development. Stager noted that the local cost for each partner is estimated to be between $235,000 and $285,000, with the final amount potentially reduced by a state grant.

City staff pointed out key landmarks such as the Calvin Trade Center, Walmart on 29th Street, and the south bypass to provide a clear sense of the location.

Councilman Dan Schutte recalled an earlier discussion about a potential $1 million bill for the project and expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort to reduce the cost. He also inquired whether the new lift station could potentially replace one or two of the existing stations. Stager responded that there was a “potential,” but it would depend on future design work and funding.

Councilman Brent Mohrmann emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it is a necessary investment that "opens up the door for a lot more development and businesses to come in."

Councilman Doug Allen praised the collaboration among the city, the county, the municipal utilities, and the WDC. He called it a "rare thing" that shows a commitment to improving the economic situation in the community.

After the discussion, the motion was called to a vote. The City Council voted unanimously to authorize the City Manager to sign the MOU. Council member Kyle Peters was absent from the evening’s meeting.